Postponed.

Anticipation continued to build ahead of what was being dubbed ‘Super Saturday’ – the final round of this years Six Nations tournament. However, this was postponed as the result of a global pandemic that needs no introduction – the Covid-19 virus.

As a result, there are still four outstanding fixtures that need to be re-arranged, including Ireland’s much-anticipated clash with Italy. This brings back memories of 2001 when the tournament was also postponed due to the outbreak of the foot and mouth disease – a global crisis that sent shockwaves through sport, but one that perhaps won’t present a fraction of the repercussions that we’re expecting the Coronavirus to inflict on our lives. As such, 2020 is undoubtedly an uncertain time ahead for Rugby, and sport on the whole, with the completion dates of the remaining fixtures remaining an uncertainty.

Prior to the outbreak, this year’s Six Nations tournament remained in the balance. It is England who top the table, and are the strong favourites with bookmakers to win the tournament outright if we see a conclusion to events in the future. They are the general 1/4 favourites with most of the major bookies at SBO, ahead of both Ireland and France, who were trading at around 5/2 and 10/1 respectively, prior to the tournament grinding to an untimely halt. The latter looked set to win the competition, and the Grand Slam, prior to their recent loss to Scotland.

France made a very strong start to the competition and were heading for the tournament victory but were beaten by Scotland 28-17, which left the door wide open for England to claim the Six Nations title. England are 28-time winners of the tournament and boast the most tournament wins since its inauguration, with France next up with 17 titles, and Ireland 14.

England beat Wales 33-30, which ensured they secured a first Triple Crown in four years and drew level with France in the Six Nations table. However, they top the table with a better points difference than France, with 15 in comparison to France’s 13.

England’s final match is an away fixture against Italy, which is a game they will be expected to win with ease, as the latter sit bottom of the table and have failed to pick up a point in the competition to date. England will be expected to significantly improve their current points difference, so it would be a major shock were they to fail to go on and lift the trophy. Furthermore, France must welcome Ireland, which is likely to be a very open game, and it would be a major shock if they could outscore England, against a side as strong as Ireland. The latter also remain in the hunt, as they have won two matches and lost just one, with a game in hand and finish with fixtures against Italy and, of course, France.

It all sets up for a fascinating end to the competition and the big question fans are now asking is, when and if, we will get to see the completion of the Six nations?